Mobile device having a touch-lock state and method for operating the mobile device

ABSTRACT

A mobile device with a touch panel and a touch-lock operating method thereof are provided. The mobile device preferably includes an RF communication unit for supporting communication services; a touch panel for sensing input touches; a display unit for displaying a screen, where the screen includes at least one of a preset image, text, and map; and a controller for setting a touch-lock in the touch panel according to a preset condition. The controller also controls the display unit to display at least one of a text and image or at least one particular icon corresponding to the information reception event that occurs, based on the RF communication unit, in the touch-lock state. A portion of the display screen can be locked, or only certain predetermined touch functions permitted.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Korean Patentapplication No.: 10-2010-0049029 filed May 26, 2010, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electronic communication systems. Moreparticularly, the invention is related to a mobile device with a touchscreen that can provide or use information regarding its touch-lockstate. The invention is also related to a method for operating a mobiledevice having a touch-lock state.

2. Description of the Related Art

Mobile devices are widely used because they can be easily carried andprovide a wide variety of functions that extends far beyond a voice callfunction. Mobile devices are equipped with various input mechanisms toprovide user functions. For example, input mechanisms can be implementedwith a touch screen including a touch panel and a display unit. Whenmobile devices employ a touch screen, the touch screen can process auser's gesture to select a particular image displayed on the displayunit, via the touch panel. After that, the mobile devices create a touchevent corresponding to the user's gesture, and then control anapplication program corresponding to a user function according to theevent.

Conventional mobile devices typically provide a ‘touch-lock’ function tolock the touch panel, thereby preventing touch events from occurringunintentionally. When a user intends to use a touch-locked mobiledevice, the user must first unlock the locked state in the mobiledevice. However, conventional mobile devices are disadvantageous inthat, when they are locked with a touch-lock, they require a complicatedtouch event so that the touch-lock cannot be inadvertently unlocked by auser's simple gesture, and also require the user to perform complicatedgestures to activate a particular user function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a mobile device that provides informationregarding its various states to the user while in the touch-lock state.

The present invention further provides a method for operating the mobiledevice.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, amobile device having a touch-lock state preferably including: a radiofrequency (RF) communication unit for supporting communication services;a touch panel for sensing input touches (contact); a display unit fordisplaying a screen, wherein the screen includes at least one of apreset image, text, and map; and a controller for setting a touch-lockin the touch panel according to a preset condition. The controllercontrols the display unit to display at least one of a text and image orat least one particular icon corresponding to the information receptionevent that occurs, based on the RF communication unit, in the touch-lockstate.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention, amethod for operating a mobile device having a touch-lock state,preferably including: changing a current state to a touch-lock state ina touch panel of a touch screen; creating an information reception eventvia an RF communication unit in the touch-lock state; and displaying atleast one of an image or text, and at least one icon, according to theinformation reception event, on a display unit in the touch-lock state.

In addition, in accordance with the present invention, detecting achange by a touch panel from a current state to a touch-lock state;

creating an information reception event in response to receivinginformation via a Radio Frequency (RF) communication unit while themobile device is in the touch-lock state; and displaying on a displayunit in the touch-lock state at least one of an icon or at least one ofan image or text associated with the information reception event.

The method may also include partially releasing the touch-lock state ina particular region of the touch panel that corresponds to an area onwhich at least one icon is displayed; and performing a user functionrelated to the icon according to a touch event that occurs in theparticular region of the touch panel on which at least one icon isdisplayed; wherein the particular region of the touch panel is less thanan entirety of the displayable area of the display unit.

In addition, the method may also include releasing the touch-lock of thetouch panel after the user function is performed. The partiallyreleasing of the touch-lock state permits a predetermined subset of userfunctions to be performed according to user selection.

The method may further comprise displaying a state informationsupporting icon area on the display unit in the touch-lock state; anddisplaying, when a particular icon associated with an informationreception event is dragged to the state information supporting iconarea, at least part of the information represented by the icon in thestate information supporting icon area that was not previously visible.

The displaying of at least one icon or at least one of an image or textcomprises at least one of the following: displaying a particular iconassociated with a first information reception differently in size thanat least one other icon associated with a second information receptionevent, according to the occurrence order of the information receptionevents; and displaying different forms of icons according to a pluralityof respective types of information reception events.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a mobile deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the controller included in themobile device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates screens that show the exemplary operations of theinformation-reception event processing unit and the touch-lock idlescreen processing unit, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates screens that show the exemplary operation of theinformation-reception event processing unit, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates screens that show the exemplary operations of theinformation-reception event processing unit and the touch-lock idlescreen processing unit, according to another exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates screens that show the exemplary operation of thetouch-lock idle screen processing unit, according to another exemplaryembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart that shows exemplary operation of atouch-lock operating method of a mobile device, according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same referencenumbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similarparts. Detailed descriptions of well-known functions and structuresincorporated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring appreciation ofthe subject matter of the invention by a person of ordinary skill in theart.

The terms or words described in the present description and the claimsshould not be limited by a general or lexical meaning, instead should beanalyzed as a meaning and a concept through which the inventor definesand describes the invention at his most effort, to comply with the ideaof the invention. Therefore, one skilled in the art will understand thatthe exemplary embodiments disclosed in the description andconfigurations illustrated in the drawings are only preferredembodiments, instead there may be various modifications, alterations,and equivalents thereof to replace the embodiments at the time of filingthis application.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a mobile deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the mobile device 100 includes an RFcommunication unit 110, an input unit 120, an audio processing unit 130,a touch screen 140, a storage unit 150, and a controller 160. The touchscreen 140 is comprised of a display unit 141 and a touch panel 143.

When a particular event according to a user function occurs in themobile device 100 while the mobile device 100 is in a touch-lock state,the mobile device 100 displays the state information according to theevent on the display unit 141. The mobile device 100 of the inventionpreferably provides information according to the state alternation ofthe mobile device 100 while being in a touch-lock state, so that theuser can easily acquire the information. In the following description,the components in the mobile device 100 are explained in detail.

The term ‘touch-lock’ state may occur in part of the entire area of thetouch panel 143. A ‘touch-lock’ state refers to a state that ignores atouch gesture or limits a function performed according to the inputtouch gesture.

When the mobile device 100 is configured to provide a communicationfunction, it may optionally include the RF communication unit 110.Likewise, when the mobile device 100 is configured to have a functionfor outputting audio data, it may optionally include the audioprocessing unit 130. Accordingly, the RF communication unit 110 and theaudio processing unit 130 may be omitted from the mobile device 100according to the mobile device manufacturers' designs.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the RF communication unit 110establishes a communication channel for a voice call or a video call anda communication channel for transmitting data, such as video data,messages, etc., under the control of the controller 160. In other words,the RF communication unit 110 establishes a voice call channel, a datacommunication channel, and a video call channel with an external mobilecommunication system. To this end, the RF communication unit 110preferably includes an RF transmitter for up-converting the frequency ofsignals to be transmitted and amplifying the signals and an RF receiverfor low-noise amplifying received RF signals and down-converting thefrequency of the received RF signals. A user function based on the RFcommunication unit 110 is preferably selected and activated according toa touch event that occurs on the touch panel 143 or according to aninput signal created via the input unit 120. The RF communication unit110 receives information regarding messages, calls, emails, etc. andthen transfers the information to the controller 160. When the mobiledevice user misses messages, calls, emails, etc., information regardingcorresponding states for the missed messages, calls, or emails may bedisplayed on the touch screen 140 that is retaining a touch-lock state,according to the control of the controller 160.

The input unit 120 typically includes input keys and function keys thatallow the user to input numbers or letter information and to set avariety of functions. The function keys include direction keys, sidekeys, shortcut keys, etc., which are set to perform specific functions.The input unit 120 creates key signals for setting user's options andfor controlling functions of the mobile device 100 and transfers them tothe controller 160. The input unit 120 can be implemented with a QWERTYkeypad, DVORAK keypad, a 3×4 keypad, a 4×3 keypad, etc., just to name afew possibilities. Alternatively, the input unit 120 may be implementedwith a key map on the touch screen 140. In that case, the key map may bea QWERTY key map, a DVORAK key map, a 3×4 key map, a 4×3 key map, or thelike, including a menu map, control map, etc. When the touch screen 140is implemented with a full-touch-screen type, the input unit 120 mayinclude only side keys installed to the body of the mobile device 100.In that case, the input unit 120 can provide a hot key that can unlock atouch-lock state of the mobile device 100.

The audio processing unit 130 preferably includes a speaker (SPK) and amicrophone (MIC). The audio processing unit outputs, via the speaker,audio data that is transmitted during the call, is included in areceived message, and is created when an audio file stored in thestorage unit is played back. The audio processing unit receives a user'svoice during the call or other audio signals via the microphone. Theaudio processing unit 130 can output sound effects when the mobiledevice 100 is locked to a touch-lock state or unlocked from thetouch-lock state. When information reception events based on the RFcommunication unit 110 occur in the mobile device 100 operating in atouch-lock state, the audio processing unit 130 can output particularsounds according to types of information reception events that occur.Some examples of the information reception events discussed hereininclude a message reception event, an email reception event, and a callreception event. The audio processing unit 130 can also output varioustypes of sounds corresponding to missed information reception events,according to a user's settings. When a touch event to release atouch-lock occurs on the touch screen 140 when the mobile device 100 isin a touch-lock state or a touch event to activate a particular stateoccurs on the touch screen 140 when the mobile device 100 is in atouch-lock state, the audio processing unit 130 may output a soundcorresponding to the touch event that occurred. The audio processingunit 130 may not output sound effects according to a user's settings ora mobile device manufacturer's settings.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the touch screen 140 includes adisplay unit 141 and a touch panel 143, where the touch panel 143 isinstalled to the front of the display panel 141. The size of touchscreen 140 is determined as that of the touch panel 143.

The display panel 141 displays menus of the mobile device 100, andinformation input by a user or information provided to the user. Thatis, the display panel 141 provides various types of screens according tothe operation of the mobile device 100, such as an idle screen, menuscreens, a message writing screen, a call screen, etc. The display unit141 may be implemented with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an OrganicLight Emitting Diode (OLED), or any type of thin film screen display orthe like. The display unit 141 may be located on or under the touchpanel 143. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the mobiledevice 100 is locked to a touch-lock state, the display unit 141 candisplay state information created according to a user's functionactivation under the control the controller 160. In addition, thedisplay unit 141 can also display an optional screen that allows theuser to select modes to display the state information. The userfunctions that create state information in a touch-lock state preferablyinclude an information reception event function related to the RFcommunication unit 110, a function to activate a touch-lock standbyscreen, etc. The display unit 141 can display a screen for showing aninformation reception event, a touch-lock output screen, etc. Userinterfaces displayed on the display unit 141 will be described, indetail, infra, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The touch panel 143 is preferably located on at least one of the upperand lower portions of the display unit 141. The touch panel 143 senses atouch event according to a received touch or an access distance of anobject, and transfers information about the touch event to thecontroller 160. The touch panel 143 includes sensors arranged in amatrix form. The sensors sense a touch event that occurs on the touchpanel 143 and transfer information regarding a location where the touchevent occurred and information regarding the types of touch event thatoccurred to the controller 160.

The controller 160 receives the location information and determines thetype of touch event, via the touch event information transferred fromthe touch panel 143, checks particular information regarding the displayunit 141, mapped to a corresponding location, and then activates a userfunction linked to the particular information.

In particular, when the mobile device 100 is locked via a touch-lock,the touch panel 143 is preferably controlled so a part of the entirearea of the touch panel 143 may serve as a region for unlocking thetouch-lock state according to the occurrence of state informationregarding the mobile device 100. That is, a portion of the touch panel143 is used to unlock a touch-lock of a region corresponding to aparticular area of the display unit 141, according to the control of thecontroller 160. When icons, texts, or images corresponding to stateinformation are displayed on the display unit 141, the touch panel 143is used to unlock a touch-lock of a region on which the displayedelements are displayed. Partially unlocking the touch-lock of the touchpanel 143 means that the touch-lock of the particular portion of thetouch panel 143 is simply unlocked and also that a particular type of atouch event that may occur on a corresponding area is limited. Forexample, according to the control of the controller 160, with respect tothe state where the mobile device 100 is touch-locked, the touch panel143 can be limited in such a manner to recognize, as an effective event,only a double touch down event or a drag event that occurs in an areawhere the touch-lock is partially unlocked. The double touch down eventor the drag event may be replaced with other types of touch eventsaccording to the mobile device manufacturers' settings or the user'ssettings. In addition, the touch panel 143 can sense a touch event,which occurs in an area where the touch-lock is partially unlocked, as ashortcut function depending on situations, according to the control ofthe controller 160. The touch panel 143 may include a number of areaswhere the touch-lock is partially unlocked. In that case, the touchpanel 143 can support associating and integrating touch events betweenthe areas where the touch-lock is partially unlocked with each other.The operation of the touch panel 143 will be described in more detailwhen the controller is fully discussed hereinafter.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the storage unit 150 storesapplication programs for executing functions according to the invention.The storage unit 150 cans store a menu map or a key map for operatingthe touch screen 140, information regarding an area where the touch-lockis partially unlocked, etc. The key map and menu map can be implementedwith various modes. For example, the key map may be a keyboard map, a3×4 key map, a QWERTY key map, a DVORAK key map, a control key map, etc.for controlling an application program that is currently executed, etc.In addition, the menu map may be a menu map for controlling anapplication program that is currently activated. The storage unit 150 ispreferably comprised of a program storage area and a data storage area.

The program storage area stores an operating system (OS) for booting themobile device 100 and operating the components included therein. Theprogram storing area also preferably stores application programs forreproducing a variety of files, such as an application program forsupporting a voice call function, a web browser function for accessingan Internet server, an application program for audio sources, such as anMP3 file, an application program for reproducing photographs, images,moving images, etc. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, theprogram storage area stores a touch-lock operating program and atouch-lock setting program. It is within the spirit and scope of theclaimed invention that these programs could be modules of a singleapplication.

The touch-lock setting program may be loaded on the controller 160 whenthe user selects and activates one of the menu items to set a touch-lockor activates a particular key to which a touch-lock setting function isallocated. The touch-lock setting program preferably includes a numberof routines. Some examples of the routines preferably include: a routinefor providing items corresponding to user functions of the mobile device100; a routine for registering one of the items corresponding to userfunctions, selected by an input signal created via the input unit 120 orthe touch screen 140, to a touch-lock setting menu; a routine forstoring the item selected via the touch-lock setting menu; a routine fordeleting the items, registered via the touch-lock setting menu,according to the user's input; and so on. The user can select aparticular image, an avatar, etc., to be displayed on the touch-lockidle screen, via the touch-lock setting program. The particular imageand avatar may have a function to be altered according to the occurrenceof state information regarding the mobile device 100, which will bedescribed in detail later referring to the accompanying drawings.

The touch-lock operating program may be activated according to thecontrol of the controller 160 when the mobile device 100 istouch-locked. The touch-lock operating program preferably includes: aroutine for detecting the alternation to a touch-lock state of themobile device 100; a routine for displaying state information regardingthe mobile device 100 according to a touch-lock setting menu, stored inthe storage unit 150, when an alteration to a touch-lock state occurs inthe mobile device 100; a routine for displaying a state informationsupporting icon on the display unit 141; and a routine for setting onlyan area of the display unit 141, on which an element corresponding tothe state information is displayed, and only an area of the touch panel143, corresponding to that of the display unit 141, on which the stateinformation supporting icon is displayed, as an effective area where apartial touch event occurs. When an additional input signal does notoccur on the input unit 120 and the touch screen 140 for a preset periodof time, the touch-lock state alteration detecting routine can recognizea corresponding situation as a signal to alter a current state to atouch-lock state. In addition, when a preset input signal occurs, thetouch-lock state alteration detecting routine recognizes the signal asthe alteration to the touch-lock state in the mobile device 100.

The data storage area refers to an area where data, generated when themobile device 100 is used, is stored. That is, the data storage areastores a variety of contents, such as phone book data, and at least oneicon related to widget functions. The data storage area stores alsostores user's inputs via the touch panel 143, and there can be more thanone storage unit 150 or type of storage. In an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, the data storage area can store information receptionevents created when the RF communication unit 110 receives signals. Inother words, the data storage area can store events according to thereception of messages or emails, a missed call event occurred when noreply responding to a call connection request is received, etc.

The controller 160 may control electric power supplied to the componentsof the mobile device 100 and controls performance of theirinitialization process. The controller 160 determines whether the mobiledevice 100 is altered to a touch-lock state. When the controller 160ascertains that the mobile device 100 is altered to a touch-lock state,it processes the information reception events according to the routineof the touch-lock operating program and displays a touch-lock idlescreen. To this end, the controller 160 includes the components as shownin FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the controller 160 included in themobile device shown in FIG. 1.

The controller 160 includes a touch-lock alteration confirming unit 161,an information-reception event processing unit 163, and a touch-lockidle screen processing unit 165.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the touch-lock alteration confirmingunit 161 determines whether the mobile device 100 is in a touch-lockstate. To this end, the touch-lock alteration confirming unit 161 checksthe condition of the touch lock status to change the mobile device 100into a touch-lock state. In other words, the touch-lock alterationconfirming unit 161 determines whether an input signal for a touch-lockoccurs in the input unit 120 of the mobile device 100. Alternatively,the touch-lock alteration confirming unit 161 may determines whether oran input signal occurs within a preset period of time. When thetouch-lock alteration confirming unit 161 ascertains that an inputsignal does not occur within a preset period of time, it concludes thatsuch a situation is to set the mobile device 100 in a touch-lock state.Thus, the touch-lock state can be a predefined or user-select defaultthat is operative after a certain period of time. In addition, when atouch event for setting the mobile device 100 in a touch-lock stateoccurs on the touch panel 143, the touch-lock alteration confirming unit161 determines that the touch event is to set the mobile device 100 in atouch-lock state. When the touch event for setting the touch panel 143in a touch-lock state has occurred, the touch-lock alteration confirmingunit 161 sets the touch panel 143 to a touch-lock state, and thentransfers the signal reporting the touch-lock state of the touch panel143 to the information-reception event processing unit 163 and thetouch-lock idle screen processing unit 165.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, when the information-reception eventprocessing unit 163 receives the signal reporting the touch-lock stateof the touch panel 143 from the touch-lock alteration confirming unit161, the information-reception event processing unit 163 processes aninformation reception event according to the touch-lock alteration. Whenthe touch panel 143 is set in a touch-lock state, theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 monitors the RFcommunication unit 110 to determines whether an information receptionevent occurs. When the information-reception event processing unit 163ascertains that an information reception event occurs, the unit 163 cancause the display at least one of a particular icon, an image, and text,on the display unit 141, according to the type of the informationreception event. The following exemplary embodiment will now bedescribed such that the information-reception event processing unit 163displays a particular icon corresponding to an information receptionevent on the display unit 141. When the display unit 141 displays anicon corresponding to a particular type of information reception event,the information-reception event processing unit 163 can partiallyactivate a region of the touch panel 143, in the area on which acorresponding icon is displayed.

When another information reception event occurs after the informationreception event additionally occurs, the information-reception eventprocessing unit 163 can adjust the form of an icon to be displayed onthe display unit 141, according to the type of the information receptionevent that has additionally occurred. When another information receptionevent that has additionally occurred is identical to the informationreception event that previously occurred in terms of the type, theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 can alter the icondisplayed on the display unit 141 to display an accumulation icon for acorresponding information reception event, and then display it. On thecontrary, when another information reception event that has additionallyoccurred differs from the information reception event that previouslyoccurred in terms of the type, the information-reception eventprocessing unit 163 can display a new icon on the display unit 141 andcan also partially activate a region of the touch panel 143,corresponding to the newly displayed icon. In order to show that anotherinformation reception event that has additionally occurred is newer thanthe information reception event that previously occurred, theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 can display, on thedisplay unit 141, an icon corresponding to the information receptionevent above the icon corresponding to the information reception eventthat has previously occurred.

When a preset or particular touch event occurs on a region of the touchpanel 143, on which an icon is displayed and in which a touch-lock stateis partially unlocked, the information-reception event processing unit163 allows a user function corresponding to the icon to be performed.For example, when the icon is implemented with a message icon and apreset touch event occurs on the message icon, the information-receptionevent processing unit 163 causes display of a screen for checking themessage. In that case, the information-reception event processing unit163 may release the touch-lock state in the entire area of the touchpanel 143. The control process of the information-reception eventprocessing unit 163 will be described in more detail, hereinafterreferring to the accompanying drawings.

When the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 receives the signalaccording to the touch-lock alteration of the touch panel 143 from thetouch-lock alteration confirming unit 161, the touch-lock idle screenprocessing unit 165 preferably turns the display unit 141 off oractivates a touch-lock idle screen image set in a touch-lock menu. Thetouch-lock idle screen image may be activated in cooperation with theinformation reception event function. The touch-lock idle screen imagemay be a growth form of an image. Therefore, the touch-lock idle screenprocessing unit 165 can vary the touch-lock idle screen image accordingto the accumulation of a particular element. The particular element maybe time, etc. When an information reception event occurs, the touch-lockidle screen processing unit 165 can display a touch-lock idle screenimage on the display unit 141, which differs from the touch-lock idlescreen image that has been displayed before the occurrence of theinformation reception event. After that, the touch-lock idle screenprocessing unit 165 can display the newly displayed touch-lock idlescreen image as an image that varies according to the accumulation of aparticular element. An example of the particular element may be anoccurrence amount of information reception events. The control processof the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 will be described inmore detail hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 illustrates screens that show the exemplary operations of theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 and the touch-lock idlescreen processing unit 165, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

Referring now to FIG. 3, when the mobile device 100 is turned on, thecontroller 160 initializes the components in the mobile device 100, anddisplays an idle screen according to preset schedule information oractivates a particular user function. During this process, the mobiledevice 100 activates the touch panel 143 and then retains a state forawaiting touch inputs. When there is no signal for a preset period oftime or an input signal for a touch-lock alteration occurs, the mobiledevice 100 preferably alters the current state of the touch panel 143 toa touch-lock state as shown in diagram 301, so that the display unit 141is set to a state corresponding to the touch-lock state. In addition,the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 may control the displayunit 141 to display a predetermined touch-lock idle screen imageaccording to the touch-lock alteration. When the touch panel 143 is setin a touch-lock state, the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165activates a touch-lock operating program stored in the storage unit 150,and then monitors the RF communication unit 110 according to theactivation of the program.

When an information reception event, i.e., a message reception event,occurs in the RF communication unit 110 while the touch panel 143 isretaining a touch-lock state as shown in diagram 301, theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 controls the displayunit 141 to display a first icon 31, according to the message receptionevent, as shown in diagram 302. The first icon 31 may include imageinformation representing a message reception event, information statinga message reception event, and sender's information for a messagereception event. For example, when a person who is registered as “Tommy”in the phonebook sends a message, the first icon 31 includes an imagerepresenting a message and text containing “Tommy.” On the contrary,when a person who is not registered in the phonebook sends a message,the first icon 31 may include the message sender's phone number insteadof the sender's text, or it could say “unknown” or “undisclosed”.Meanwhile, the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 can vary theidle screen image according to the occurrence amount of informationreception events as shown in FIG. 3.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the mobile device 100 may furtherreceive messages from different senders. For example, as shown indiagram 305, when the mobile device 100 receives an incoming messagefrom “Jane,” the information-reception event processing unit 163concludes that a message reception event has occurred. In that case, theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 can display a secondicon 33 corresponding to the message sent from “Jane” on the displayunit 141 in a touch-lock state. In addition, the information-receptionevent processing unit 163 displays the second icon 33 at the upperportion above the first icon 31, thereby allowing the user tointuitively recognize that the message represented by the second icon 33is received later than the message represented by the first icon 31. Itis also within the spirit and the scope of the invention that after apredetermined amount of time without the message being read, the displaycould make the envelope next to “Tommy” blink, or change color to red,or change size, and/or do the same to the name associated with themessage. It is also possible to select certain names from the addressbook and flag them as priority. These messages can blink, change color,size, or appear at the top of a list of senders/callers. Meanwhile, thetouch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 can process an idle screenimage that shows an increase in the occurrence amount of informationreception events according to the number of additionally receivedmessage reception events, as shown in FIG. 3.

In addition, the mobile device 100 may receive an incoming call. Whenthe user does not answer the incoming call via the mobile device 100,the mobile device 100 recognizes that the incoming call is a missedcall. In that case, the information-reception event processing unit 163displays a third icon 35 representing a missed call event on the displayunit 141 as shown in diagram 307. The third icon 35 is located above thesecond icon 33 on the display unit 141, thereby allowing the user torecognize that the information reception event representing the thirdicon 35 is the latest event. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, thethird icon 35 may be comprised of an image representing a missed calland information regarding a sender, i.e., text information correspondingto the sender, “Mon” for example, when the sender's information wasstored in the phone book. Meanwhile, the touch-lock idle screenprocessing unit 165 can process an idle screen image that shows theincrease in the occurrence amount of information reception events, asdescribed above.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, when an event according to thereception of an additional message occurs while the mobile device 100 isdisplaying the screen as shown in diagram 303, the information-receptionevent processing unit 163 controls the display unit 141 to display afourth icon 37 representing the total number of message receptionevents, as shown in diagram 309. The fourth event 37 may be comprised ofan image representing a message and text information representing thenumber of accumulated messages. When the same type of informationreception event occurs, the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165can perform a control operation so as not to alter the size of thetouch-lock idle screen image as shown in FIG. 3.

After that, when the mobile device 100 does not answer a call from asender stored in the phone book, “Mom” for example, i.e., a missed callevent occurs, the information-reception event processing unit 163 candisplay the third icon 35 at a higher position than the fourth icon 37on the display unit 141 as shown in diagram 311. The touch-lock idlescreen processing unit 165 can alter the size of the touch-lock idlescreen image when events related to the reception of differentinformation occur. Although it is not shown in the drawing, when thesame event is accumulated, the touch-lock idle screen image may bealtered according to the occurrence amount of accumulated events.

FIG. 4 illustrates screens that show a shortcut function based on theoperation of the information-reception event processing unit 163,according to an embodiment of the invention. It is assumed that themobile device 100 is set in a touch-lock state and at least one or moreinformation reception events occur therein.

Referring now to FIG. 4, two message reception events and one missedcall event have occurred in the mobile device 100 in a touch-lock state,and accordingly the display unit 141 displays a first message icon 41, asecond message icon 43 and a missed call icon 45. In order tointuitively represent the accumulated amount of icons, the touch-lockidle screen processing unit 165 can alter the idle screen imagecorresponding thereto. In other words, the touch-lock idle screenprocessing unit 165 can display different images to differentiate aregion adjacent to an area displaying the first message icon 41 from theother regions. The information-reception event processing unit 163 canpartially activate the area of the touch panel 143 on which the first 41and second 43 message icons and the missed call icon 45 are displayed.The partial activation can permit, for example, partial or limitedfunctionality.

When the mobile device 100 operates as described above, the user cantouch the touch panel 143 on which the first message icon 41 isdisplayed. In that case, the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165can alter the form of the first message icon 41 so that differs, or isfurther distinguished from the others, so that the user can recognizethe occurrence of the event that occurred according to his/her touch.That is, the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 can alter orhighlight the area displaying the first message icon 41 or can display aparticular image according to the input touch on the touched area, orchange it size, make it blink, etc.

After that, when the user touches and drags his/her touch in a certaindirection, for example, towards the right, the touch-lock idle screenprocessing unit 165 can display an image effect according to the drag onthe display unit 141 as shown in diagram 403. For example, thetouch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 can display a movementeffect, where the touched image displayed on the display unit 141 ismoved according to the drag gesture as shown in diagram 401, on the areaon which the first message icon 41 is displayed on the display unit 141.

When a particular touch event occurs on the display unit 141 as shown indiagram 403, the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 may releasethe touch-lock state according to the touch event, and may also activatea particular user function corresponding to an information receptionevent. When a touch-drag event occurs from the first message icon 41 ina certain direction, the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 canconclude that the touch event corresponds to a command for viewingdetails of the first message icon 41. After that, the touch-lock idlescreen processing unit 165 can display a screen for viewing details or apreview of the message, corresponding to the touched first message icon41, as shown in diagram 405. In addition, the touch-lock idle screenprocessing unit 165 may also release the touch-lock state. On the otherhand, the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 may remove thetouch-lock idle screen image from the screen as shown in diagram 403.When the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 removes thetouch-lock idle screen image, the controller 160 displays a detail viewscreen corresponding to the first message icon 41.

As described above, the mobile device 100 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention can display icons according to informationreception events in a touch-lock state, thereby allowing the user tointuitively recognize the types of information reception events thatoccurred. In addition, the mobile device 100 can be operated preferablyin such a manner that the user selects and activates an icon area wherethe touch-lock state is partially released on the touch panel 143, andexecutes a particular user function of the icon when a particular touchevent occurs in a corresponding area, and releases a touch-lock stateaccording to a particular touch event or events.

FIG. 5 illustrates screens that describe the operations of theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 and the touch-lock idlescreen processing unit, according to another exemplary embodiment of theinvention. It is assumed that the mobile device 100 is set in atouch-lock state and five or more information reception events occurtherein.

Referring now to FIG. 5, when a variety of information reception eventsoccur in the mobile device 100, the display unit 141 displays the iconscorresponding thereto as shown in diagram 501. The mobile device 100 candisplay a state (i.e. status) information supporting icon 50 foractivating a particular user function of the information receptionevent. The state information supporting icon 50 is located in a certainarea on the display unit 141, which in this particular non-limitingexample is on the bottom of the display screen. The state informationsupporting icon 50 may serve as an area on which particular information,such as current time information, etc., is displayed according to auser's settings or the mobile device manufacturers' settings. The stateinformation supporting icon 50 may be displayed on the display unit 141according to the control of the touch-lock idle screen processing unit165. The area of the touch panel 143, on which the state informationsupporting icon 50 is displayed, may be partially unlocked from thetouch-lock state.

As shown in diagram 501, the mobile device 100 can display a number oficons according to the information reception events on the display unit141, for example, first 51, second 53, third 55, fourth 57 and fifth 59information icons. In order to show the effect of the reception order ofinformation, the display unit 141 displays icons corresponding to thereceived information such that the older information received isdisplayed as smaller icons, while newer information is displayed aslarger icons. In other words, the icon corresponding to the oldestinformation received is displayed as the smallest icon. Simultaneously,the arrangement order is also aligned, according to the reception orderof the icons. In addition, the icons may also be displayed in differentimages, according to the types of information reception events.

It should be understood that the property of the first 51, second 53,third 55, fourth 57 and fifth 59 information icons, shown in FIG. 5, issimilar to that of the first icon 31 or the first message icon 41, thesecond icon 33 or the second message icon 43, the third icon 35 or thethird missed call icon 45, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This differentiationis only used to conveniently describe this exemplary embodiment of theinvention and not to limit the claimed invention thereto. The firstinformation icon 51 refers to an icon corresponding to an event thatoccurs according to message reception. The second information icon 53refers to an icon corresponding to an event that occurs according to amissed call. The third information icon 55 may also be an iconcorresponding to an event that occurs according to a missed call. Theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 may unlock a portion ofan area of the touch panel 143, set in a touch-lock state, on which therespective icons are displayed.

When the area of the touch panel 143 set in a touch-lock state ispartially unlocked, the user can input a signal to select (manipulate)the first information icon 51. That is, the user can touch the firstinformation icon 51 on the touch panel 143, and drags the icon to thearea of the state information supporting icon 50. In that case, theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 concludes that the firstinformation icon 51 is dragged to the state information supporting icon50, based on the touch event that occurred on the first information icon51 and a touch down and up event that occurs on the state informationsupporting icon 50 after the first information icon 51 has been dragged.

Still referring to the example of the previous paragraph, theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 displays part of themessage information, included in the first information icon 51, on thearea of the state information supporting icon 50, as shown in diagram503. A person of ordinary skill in the art should understand andappreciate that the size of part of the message information may be setdifferently according to a users' setting or the mobile devicemanufacturers' settings. The message information, displayed on the areaof the state information supporting icon 50, may be a message sender'sname, “Tommy,” for example, or a part of message content together withthe message sender's name, or a photo of Tommy pre-stored by the userand associated with the telephone number of the sender (Tommy).Alternatively, the information-reception event processing unit 163 candisplay the entire message, in order, according to the settings.

When the user selects the second information icon 53 and moves the icon53 to the area of the state information supporting icon 50 on thedisplay unit 141 as shown in diagram 503, the information-receptionevent processing unit 163 displays summary information regarding thesecond information icon 53 on the area as shown in diagram 505. That is,the information-reception event processing unit 163 displays an image ofthe second information icon 53, a sender's information, and informationregarding the property of a corresponding icon, for example, “a missedcall.” This feature permits the user quickly (at a glance) to check whocalled.

The user of mobile device can release the touch-lock on the area of thestate information supporting icon 50, and may also perform a gesture forsimultaneously viewing details of information corresponding to theinformation icon that is currently displayed on the area. That is, theuser can perform a touch gesture on the area of the state informationsupporting icon 50, for example, touching down on a point on the areaand then dragging his/her touch in a certain direction. In that case,the controller 160 concludes that the touch down and drag gesturecorresponds to a gesture that releases the touch-lock and performs adetail view function. After that, the controller 160 releases thetouch-lock and displays a detail view screen corresponding to an iconthat is last displayed on the area of the state information supportingicon 50.

As described above, the mobile device 100 of the invention provides thestate information supporting icon 50, thereby performing a function forviewing summary information regarding a variety of information icons.The mobile device 100 can also perform a particular user function of anicon that is displaying summary information using the state informationsupporting icon 50.

FIG. 6 illustrates screens that show the operation of the touch-lockidle screen processing unit 165, according to another exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 6, when a particular user function is activated,or a user's input does not occur within a preset period of time, or aparticular input signal occurs, while the mobile device 100 is operatedin an idle state as shown in diagram 601, the mobile device 100 canchange the current state to a touch-lock state as shown in diagram 603.The touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 can break electric powersupplied to the display unit 141 immediately after the mobile device 100changes the current state to a touch-lock state.

After that, the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 can perform acontrol operation to alter a growing form of an image on the displayunit as a period of time elapses. Alternatively, the touch-lock idlescreen processing unit 165 can display a growing form of an image on thedisplay unit 141 while an information reception event does not occurs.When an information reception event occurs during the display of thegrowing form of an image on the display unit 141, the touch-lock idlescreen processing unit 165 stops displaying it and then displays atouch-lock idle screen image according to the event that occurred.

The growing form of an image may be altered according to stateinformation regarding the mobile device 100. For example, the growingform of an image may be altered according to the elapsed time between atime point when the current state of the mobile device 100 is changed toa touch-lock state and a time point when an information reception eventoccurs or the user releases the touch-lock. In other words, as the imageis shown on the screen from diagram 605 towards diagram 613, thetouch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 alters the form of the imageto show the image gradually growing as time elapses. Therefore, the usercan intuitively recognize that a certain period of time has elapsed byviewing the images as shown in diagrams 605, 607, 609, 611 and 613. Inaddition, the user can also note that no information reception eventshave occurred while a certain period of time has elapsed.

As described above, even while the mobile device 100 is in a touch-lockstate, the touch-lock idle screen processing unit 165 can display anidle screen image, via which the user can intuitively recognize thestate information regarding the mobile device 100, on the display unit141, thereby allowing the user to conveniently use the mobile device100.

In the foregoing description, the configuration, operation and userinterface of the mobile device 100, according to the invention, areexplained. The following description provides a touch-lock operatingmethod adapted to the mobile device 100 with referring to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart that shows exemplary operation of atouch-lock operating method of a mobile device, according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 7, when the mobile device 100 is turned on, thecontroller 160 initializes the components in the mobile device 100 andthen performs corresponding jobs according to preset scheduleinformation. For example, at (701), the controller 160 can control thedisplay unit 141 to display an idle screen according to preset scheduleinformation. Next, at (703) the controller 160 determines whether asignal for powering the mobile device 100 off is input.

When the controller 160 ascertains that a signal for powering the mobiledevice 100 off is not input at step 703, then at (705) the controller160 determines whether a situation requiring an alteration to thetouch-lock occurs. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, thealteration to touch-lock may occur when an input signal is not inputwithin a preset period of time or an input signal for an alteration tothe touch-lock is input.

When the controller 160 ascertains that there is no situation requiringan alteration to the touch-lock at step 705, then at (707) thecontroller performs a user function according to the occurrence of aninput signal. The user function preferably refers to a variety ofdifferent functions provided by the mobile device 100, such as a callfunction, a file reproduction function, a broadcast hearing, a messagetransmission/reception function, game activation, music activation, afile search function, etc.

After performance of the user function at (707), at (709) the controller160 determines whether a signal for terminating a corresponding functionis input. When at (709) the controller 160 ascertains that a signal forterminating a corresponding function is input, the controller proceedswith step (701).

In another exemplary embodiment, while the controller 160 is performinga user function at step 707, a situation requiring an alteration to thetouch-lock may occur. In that case, the controller 160 may proceed withstep 711 that will be described below.

Meanwhile, when the controller 160 ascertains that a situation requiringan alteration to the touch-lock occurs at step 705, the controller at(711) alters the current state to a touch-lock state (711). Thecontroller 160 loads a touch-lock operating program. The controller 160also displays a touch-lock idle screen image according to the executionof the touch-lock operating program or breaks electric power supplied tothe display unit 141.

After altering the current state to a touch-lock state at step (711),then at (713) the controller 160 determines whether an informationreception event has occurred in the touch-lock state. When thecontroller 160 ascertains that an information reception event does notoccur at step (713), at (715) the controller displays a touch-lock idlescreen, or retains, when a touch-lock idle screen has already beendisplayed, the displaying of the touch-lock idle screen. After that, thecontroller 160 returns to and proceeds with step (713).

In another exemplary embodiment, at (715) when an input signal forreleasing the touch-lock state occurs, the controller 160 returns to andproceeds with step (701) or (707) according to the state before thealteration to a touch-lock state.

On the contrary, when the controller 160 ascertains that an informationreception event occurs at step (713), at (717) the controller 160performs a screen process according to the information reception eventthat occurred. The information-reception event processing unit 163 ofthe controller 160 displays, on the display unit 141, an iconcorresponding to the event that occurred according to the reception ofinformation. The information-reception event processing unit 163 alsopartially releases the touch-lock state on the region of the touch panel143, corresponding to a position where a corresponding icon isdisplayed.

Next, at (719), the controller 160 determines whether an effective touchevent occurs. The effective touch event occurs on a position where theicon is displayed. The effective touch event may also occur in an areawhere the touch-lock state is partially unlocked. When the controller160 ascertains that an effective touch event does not occur at step(719), it returns to and proceeds with step (717).

On the contrary, when the controller 160 ascertains that an effectivetouch event occurs (719), the controller at (721) controls a functionfor viewing an information reception event and a function for releasingthe touch-lock, according to the effective touch event. Theinformation-reception event processing unit 163 can perform a functionfor viewing the entire information or summary information regarding anicon selected by the touch event, according to the user's settings orthe mobile device manufacturer's settings and the type of touch eventthat occurred. The information-reception event processing unit 163 maybe implemented in such that there is no performance of a touch-lockreleasing process, with respect to the function for viewing summaryinformation regarding an icon. That is, the information-reception eventprocessing unit 163 can be implemented so that that there is aperformance of a touch-lock releasing process only when performing afunction for viewing all information regarding an icon.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, at (723) the controller 160determines whether a signal for terminating the viewing of aninformation reception event is input. When the controller 160 ascertainsthat a signal for terminating the viewing of an information receptionevent is input at step (723), the process returns to and proceeds withstep (701).

In another exemplary embodiment, when at (723) the controller 160ascertains that a signal for terminating the viewing of an informationreception event is input, the process returns to and proceeds with step(707).

On the contrary, when the controller 160 ascertains that a signal forterminating the viewing of an information reception event is not inputat step (723), the process returns to and proceeds with step (721).

Although the exemplary embodiment discloses that the area where the iconis displayed is only partially released from the touch-lock state, aperson of ordinary should understand that in the presently claimedinvention, when a touch event occurs on the area where the touch-lockstate is partially released, the entire area of the touch panel may betemporarily released from the touch-lock state. That is, after a touchevent occurs on the area where the touch-lock state is partiallyreleased, the mobile device 100 creates and collects drag eventsaccording to the gestures that drag the icons selected by correspondingtouches.

As described above, in the touch-lock operating method of the mobiledevice 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, whenthe mobile device 100 changes the current state to a touch-lock state,an idle screen corresponding to the touch-lock state is displayed, andthe elapse time in the touch-lock state is shown. In addition, theevents created when information is received during the touch-lock aredisplayed on the display unit 141, so that the user can intuitivelyrecognize the type of received information. The touch-lock operatingmethod, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, can alsopartially release the touch-lock of an icon displayed on the displayunit in the touch-lock state, and can then informally perform a userfunction or a shortcut function, based on a corresponding icon accordingto a user's control. Therefore, the user can check state informationregarding the mobile device in the touch-lock state, and can alsorapidly and conveniently execute a user function, based on the stateinformation displayed on the display unit without releasing thetouch-lock.

Although the drawings do not illustrate the following attribute of thepresent invention, the mobile device may be configured to selectivelyfurther include units having add-on functions as follows: a short-rangecommunication module for short-range wireless communication; a cameramodule for photographing a subject/subjects to create still images ormoving images; an interface for wireless or wiredlytransmitting/receiving data; an Internet communication module forperforming communication via the Internet; and a digital broadcastmodule for receiving and reproducing broadcast. With the spread ofdigital convergence, although the mobile device are too various to listtheir modifications in this description, the artisan will appreciatethat the other units equivalent to the above-listed units may be furtherincluded to the mobile device according to the invention. Also, theartisan will be appreciate that, according to the purposes, the mobiledevice may be implemented by omitting a particular element or replacingit with other elements.

The mobile device 100 according to the present invention preferablyincludes all information communication devices, multimedia devices, andtheir applications, only if they support a touch-lock state and areoperated according to communication protocols corresponding to a varietyof communication systems. For example, the mobile device 100 can beapplied to mobile communication terminals, Portable Multimedia Players(PMPs), digital broadcast players, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs),audio players (e.g., MP3 players), mobile game players, smart phones,laptop computers, handheld PC, etc.

The above-described methods according to the present invention can berealized in hardware or as software or computer code that can be storedin a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD ROM, a RAM, thumbnaildrive, a floppy disk, a flash storage, a hard disk, or a magneto-opticaldisk or downloaded over a network and stored in storage, so that themethods described herein can be executed by such software using ageneral purpose computer, special computer, microprocessor, specialprocessor, or in a programmable or dedicated hardware, such as an ASICor FPGA. As would be understood in the art, the computer, the processoror the programmable hardware include memory components, e.g., RAM, ROM,Flash, etc. that may store or receive software or computer code thatwhen accessed and executed by the computer, processor or hardwareimplement the processing methods described herein. In addition, it wouldbe recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code forimplementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the codetransforms the general purpose computer into a special purpose computerfor executing the processing shown herein.

As described above, the mobile device having a touch-lock state and themethod adapted thereto, according to the present invention, can outputinformation regarding a variety of states of the mobile device in atouch-lock state, and can provide detailed information, according to auser's control operation.

Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described indetail hereinabove, a person of ordinary skill in the art shouldunderstand and appreciate that many variations and modifications of thebasic inventive concept herein described, which might be apparent tothose skilled in the art, will still fall within the spirit and scope ofthe exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a mobile device,comprising: transitioning a touch panel from a touch-unlock state into atouch-lock state; generating a first information reception event inresponse to receiving information via a Radio Frequency (RF)communication unit while the touch panel is in the touch-lock state;displaying on a display unit an indication of the first informationreception event, the displaying being performed while the touch panel isin the touch-lock state; receiving a touch in a region of the touchpanel corresponding to the indication of the first information receptionevent, the touch being received while the touch panel is in thetouch-lock state; and in response to receiving the touch, releasing thetouch-lock state and activating a function that corresponds to the firstinformation reception event; wherein the indication of the firstinformation reception event includes at least one of an icon, an image,or text.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising partiallyreleasing the touch-lock state in the region of the touch panel thatcorresponds to the indication of the first information reception event.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the touch comprises a touch gesture.4. The method of claim 2, wherein the partially releasing of thetouch-lock state permits the touch to be received.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising, displaying an information area, wherein:the touch comprises a drag gesture dragging the indication of the firstinformation reception event to the information area; and activating thefunction corresponding to the first information reception eventcomprises displaying, in the information area, information associatedwith the first information reception event that is not part of theindication of the first information reception event.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising displaying an indication of a secondinformation reception event, wherein a size of the indication of thesecond information reception event is based on an order in which thefirst information reception event and the second information receptionevent are generated.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdisplaying a preset touch-lock idle screen image prior to the generationof the first information reception event.
 8. The method of claim 7,further comprising altering a display of the touch-lock idle screenimage according to elapsed time.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein thealtering of the touch-lock idle screen image comprises at least one ofchanging one of size or color of the touch-lock idle screen image orcausing the touch-lock idle screen image to start blinking.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising adjusting the touch-lock idlescreen image based on a count of information reception events that aregenerated, wherein the indication of the first information receptionevent is part of the touch-lock idle screen image.
 11. The method ofclaim 2, wherein one or more predetermined types of touches becomereceivable via the region of the touch panel when the touch-lock ispartially released, while one or more other types of touches remain notreceivable via the region of the touch panel when the touch-lock ispartially released.
 12. An electronic device comprising: a wirelesscommunication unit for supporting communication services; a touch panelfor sensing input touches; a display unit; and a controller configuredto: set a touch-lock in the touch panel according to a preset condition;display an indication of a first information reception event, the firstinformation reception event being generated based on a communicationreceived by the wireless communication unit; and responsive to an inputreceived at the indication of the first information reception eventwhile the touch-lock is partially released, release the touch lock andactivate a function that corresponds to the first information receptionevent; wherein the indication of the first information reception eventincludes at least one of an icon, a text, or an image.
 13. Theelectronic device of claim 12, wherein the first information receptionevent occurs in the wireless communication unit after the touch-lock isset.
 14. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the controller isfurther configured to partially release the touch-lock in a region ofthe touch panel corresponding to a region in the display unit where theindication of the first information reception event is displayed by thecontroller.
 15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the firstinformation reception event is a missed call event.
 16. The electronicdevice of claim 12, wherein: the controller is further configured todisplay an information area on the display unit; the received inputcomprises a dragging gesture dragging the indication of the firstinformation reception event to the information area; and activating thefunction corresponding to the first information reception eventcomprises displaying, in the information area, information associatedwith the first information reception event that is not part of theindication of the first information reception event.
 17. The electronicdevice of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured todisplay an indication of a second information reception event, wherein asize of the indication of the second information reception event isbased on an order in which the first information reception event and thesecond information reception event are generated.
 18. The electronicdevice of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured todisplay a preset touch-lock idle screen image.
 19. The electronic deviceof claim 12, wherein the touch-lock idle screen image is displayed basedon a count of information reception events that are generated in theelectronic device.
 20. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein one ormore predetermined types of input become receivable via the region ofthe touch panel when the touch-lock is partially released, while one ormore other types of input remain not receivable via the region of thetouch panel when the touch-lock is partially released.
 21. A methodcomprising: locking a touchscreen of a mobile device; while thetouchscreen of the mobile device is locked, outputting an indication ofa missed call on the touchscreen and configuring a portion of thetouchscreen where the indication is output as a region for unlocking thetouchscreen; receiving an input in the portion of the touchscreen wherethe indication is output; and in response to receiving the input,unlocking the touchscreen.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein thetouchscreen is unlocked only when the received input is of apre-designated type.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the indicationis output as part of a first screen that is presented on thetouchscreen, the first screen also including an indication of a textmessage, the method further comprising removing the first screen fromdisplay on the touchscreen and outputting a second screen on thetouchscreen, the second screen being output in full screen mode.
 24. Themethod of claim 23, wherein the second screen includes an identifier ofa calling party that initiated the missed call.
 25. The method of claim24, further comprising initiating a call to the calling party thatinitiated the missed call in response to receiving the input.
 26. Anelectronic device comprising a touchscreen and a controller configuredto: lock the touchscreen; while the touchscreen is locked, output anindication of a missed call on the touchscreen and configure a portionof the touchscreen where the indication is output as a region forunlocking the touchscreen; receive an input in the portion of thetouchscreen where the indication is output; and in response to receivingthe input, unlock the touchscreen of the mobile device.
 27. The methodof claim 26, wherein the touchscreen is unlocked only when the receivedinput is of a pre-designated type.
 28. The method of claim 26, whereinthe indication is output as part of a first screen that is presented onthe touchscreen, the first screen also including an indication of a textmessage, the method further comprising removing the first screen fromdisplay and outputting a second screen on the touchscreen, the secondscreen being displayed in full screen mode.
 29. The method of claim 28,wherein the second screen includes an identifier of a calling party thatinitiated the missed call.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein thecontroller is further configured to initiate a call to the calling partythat initiated the missed call in response to receiving the input.
 31. Amethod for operating a mobile device, comprising: transitioning a touchpanel from a touch-unlock state to a touch-lock state; generating aplurality of information reception events in response to receivinginformation via a Radio Frequency (RF) communication unit while thetouch panel is in the touch-lock state; and displaying, on a displayunit in the touch-lock state, each indication of the plurality of theinformation reception events when each of the plurality of theinformation reception events is generated, the indications beingarranged in an order in which the plurality of the information receptionevents are generated.